How is bone graft done?

The objective of regenerative surgery is to entice the body into rebuilding the structures that attach teeth to the jaw. The periodontist will first separate the gums from your teeth so that there is access to the surrounding bone and access to the roots of the teeth. These roots will be cleaned thoroughly. The holes, also known as the defects, in the bone will be filled with graft material. Afterwards, the bone will be covered with a physical barrier.

Bone grafting materials that are used most often are the bits of a patient’s own bone, cow bone, synthetic glasses, and cadaver bone. The most preferable of these grafting materials is the patient’s own bone. The barriers that are used to prevent soft tissues from growing into bone defects are made from human skin, synthetic materials, and cow skin.

Your gums will be repositioned over the surgical site and they will be stitched back into place. For the next six to nine months, your body will fill in the periodontal defect with new hard and soft tissues. They will eventually reattach the tooth to the jaw.

• What are bone grafts?
• How do you prepare for a bone graft?
• How are bone grafts done?
• What are follow-up procedures like after a bone graft surgery?
• What are the risks associated with bone graft surgery?
• When should you call a professional?